After Kyrie Irving’s Injury News, Mavericks-Eye Celtics’ Jrue Holiday in Trade Buzz……
Following the recent downturn in Kyrie Irving’s status—sidelined until at least January after an ACL tear—trade rumors are heating up involving the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. Multiple outlets are reporting that Dallas has surfaced as a key suitor for Boston guard Jrue Holiday, in a move that could benefit both franchises.
Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury has left a significant void in Dallas’s backcourt. With the veteran guard out for several months, the Mavs are reportedly looking to bring in a reliable veteran to start the season. Sources note the Mavericks are “expected to at least explore” a path to acquiring Holiday, seen as a defensive anchor and seasoned floor general who can both start and thrive as a sixth man down the line.
Holiday, known for his lockdown defense and reputable locker-room presence—he was just named both the NBA’s Sportsmanship and Teammate of the Year—fits Dallas’s immediate need. At 33, he balances maturity with elite two-way capabilities.
From Boston’s vantage point, a Holiday trade would be part of a broader strategy to reduce payroll. With Jayson Tatum rehabilitating from an Achilles injury and the Celtics facing a hefty projected payroll of $532 million (including repeater tax), moving Holiday’s contract becomes almost necessary.
Beyond dollars, Boston could also reshape their roster by creating value and flexibility. A proposed three-team scenario—linking Dallas, Boston, and Brooklyn—has been floated in trade discussions. In that setup, Boston would ship Holiday (and Kristaps Porzingis) in exchange for players such as Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Drew Timme, and a suite of trade exceptions. This would simultaneously lighten the financial burden and replenish rotation depth with younger assets.
Two‑Team Trade Model
CBS Sports’ Robby Kalland suggests a straight swap: Dallas sending Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and Brandon Williams to Boston in exchange for Holiday. Gafford and Williams are expiring, while Thompson brings veteran savvy—a potential frontcourt asset for Boston.
Three‑Team Megadeal
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus and Heavy.com’s Keith Watkins highlight a more complex scenario involving Brooklyn as a third party. In this model:
Mavericks: receive Jrue Holiday
Celtics: acquire Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Drew Timme, plus multiple trade exceptions
Nets: absorb Porzingis and salary fillers while collecting draft compensation
This plan would relieve Boston of over $230 million in payroll pressure, shore up their bench, and equip Dallas with a strong interim solution for Kyrie’s absences.
Dallas gains a well-rounded guard without pulling from their nascent core. Holiday’s skill set is versatile: capable of starting in Kyrie’s spot and pivoting to off-ball duties when Irving returns. The move aligns with GM Nico Harrison’s all-in, win-now direction, especially after trading Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis.
Boston, on the other hand, acquires salary relief and the chance to reload with affordable talent. With Tatum and Jaylen Brown anchored at the core, adding younger rotation players and creating space to operate in free agency could be a strategic pivot.
NBA insiders anticipate official negotiations will begin post‑July 6, once the league’s moratorium lifts and trade exceptions become active.
With both sides openly exploring options, this trade buzz represents more than media noise—it’s a sign of calculated adjustments by contenders positioned at critical inflection points: Dallas, managing an injured star; Boston, rebalancing after a financial stretch; even Brooklyn, leveraging cap .
Holiday brings stability and defensive excellence to a Mavericks team in transition.
Boston lowers its tax burden while restocking its roster strategically.
Brooklyn could serve as an intermediary to make the deal viable for both sides, while adding picks and payroll flexibility.
As Kyrie Irving’s recovery continues, this scenario stands out as one of the most compelling trade options on the table—and one potentially backed by actual conversations. The mid‑summer landscape could see Holiday donning a new jersey as franchises align their short‑ and long‑term visionary.